When you choose to improve your oral health with orthodontic treatment, it’s an exciting step towards the smile you’ve always wanted. Your next step should be finding and choosing the right orthodontist for you, but where do you begin? There are so many providers to choose from, and it’s important to find one who will listen to your concerns, answer all your questions, and offer personalized care. If you’re not sure where to start in your search for an orthodontist, Westfall Orthodontics is here to help! Let’s explore some of the questions you should be asking when considering who to trust with your unique smile.
Ask as many questions as you need to
You should always look for an orthodontist who will encourage you to ask as many questions as you need to in order to feel confident about your treatment plan. The American Board of Orthodontics has provided patients with a helpful list to get the ball rolling!
- Does this orthodontist offer orthodontic treatment only, or do they also offer general dentistry services?
- What is the scope of the proposed treatment plan?
- Are there any possible consequences if you choose to not move forward with treatment right now?
- Does the orthodontist personally do all the work on patients or will some of the work be completed by associates? If so, what is their level of expertise?
- What are the office hours?
- How are treatment costs determined?
What billing or payment options will be made available to you? - What insurance plans does the practice accept?
- Will there be any follow-up once treatment is complete?
Remember that the choice of provider is up to you. Don’t settle for any practice you aren’t comfortable with! If you’re not satisfied with the answers you receive from one orthodontist, consider a second opinion or seeking treatment elsewhere.
Ask about their experience
Any orthodontist you choose should have experience successfully treating patients of all ages for a wide range of orthodontic issues. Ideally, the orthodontist you choose will have experience successfully treating patients of all ages. For example, Dr. Westfall has many years of training, education, and experience behind him. He’s known for creating beautiful smiles for families in Bristol, Abingdon, Richlands, and the surrounding communities!
Dr. Westfall is also a board-certified orthodontist, which means he passed a thorough written exam and presented patient cases to independent examiners for evaluation. Less than 30% of all orthodontists become board-certified, so you can be confident your smile is in the best possible hands when you choose our Dr. Westfall and our expert team to meet all your orthodontic needs.
Ask to see before-and-after photos
Ask to see before-and-after photos Viewing before-and-after photos will give you vital information about an orthodontist’s experience and skill level. We have a large gallery of before-and-after photos on our website so potential patients can see a comprehensive view of Dr. Westfall’s work and evaluate the results. When you sit down with us for a consultation, we’ll also be able to show you additional photos that may be relevant to your specific needs and goals. When you’re reviewing before-and-after photos, there are a few key questions to consider, including the following.
Are you looking at the orthodontist’s actual patients? In a practice with more than one doctor, it’s especially important to be certain whose work you’re viewing. Dr. Westfall is the only orthodontist at Westfall Orthodontics, so you can be certain that all the results you see are his own.
Are there enough photos to properly evaluate the work? Two or three examples won’t be enough to form an educated opinion about an orthodontist’s abilities. Make sure you’re seeing enough before-and-after images that you feel confident in the orthodontist’s care! We offer a variety of results on our website and are happy to show you additional results in our office.
Do the final images match the vision you have for your own smile? When you schedule a consultation with us, Dr. Westfall will walk you through your diagnosis, your expectations, and what you can expect from the treatment process so you’ll have a realistic and informed view of the outcome.
Ask what treatment options are available to you
There’s never been a better time to be an orthodontic patient! There’s a wide spectrum of treatment options available for every budget and lifestyle. Before you choose an orthodontist, make sure they have a range of treatments available. You’ll also want to ensure they use customized treatment plans to identify the best treatment for your unique needs. Westfall Orthodontics offers the following treatments for a smile transformation!
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces and are more comfortable today than ever before. Made of high-grade stainless steel, metal braces straighten your teeth using metal brackets and archwires. With metal braces, you have the option of adding colored elastics (rubber bands) for a more unique and colorful smile.
Clear Braces
Sometimes called ceramic braces, this option works like metal braces but is made of clear materials and therefore a more subtle option. For this reason, ceramic braces are used mainly on older teenagers and adult patients who have cosmetic concerns. While they are visually less prominent, they do require more attention to oral hygiene as ceramic braces are larger and are more brittle than their metal counterparts. For these reasons, ceramic braces tend to be used more on upper front teeth than on lower teeth.
Invisalign clear aligner therapy
Instead of brackets, bands, and wires, Invisalign’s system uses a series of customized aligners to straighten your teeth gently over time. These aligners are almost invisible and also removable, giving you the freedom to eat and drink what you want while in treatment. This also makes it easier to brush and floss properly! The aligners are designed to fit comfortably over your teeth and have no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment.
Could Westfall Orthodontics be the right fit for your smile?
Could Westfall Orthodontics be the right fit for your smile? One of the best ways to find the right orthodontist for you is to schedule a consultation. Many orthodontists will offer complimentary consultations for potential patients, including Dr. Westfall. This initial visit will generally consist of an oral exam and a discussion about the treatment options available to you.
Your first appointment will give you a chance to ask any questions you have and familiarize yourself with the office, too. You’ll also be able to see how the team interacts with patients and each other. This should leave you with a good idea of whether you want to proceed with treatment or not!
Choosing the right orthodontist for you is a personal decision. You should be prepared to take the time necessary to find one who is a good fit for you, your smile, and your lifestyle! If you’d like to learn more about how Dr. Westfall and our expert team can give you a confident smile you’ll love, get in touch with us today to schedule your FREE consultation.